Steroid Recall Linked to Meningitis: Cases in MN, TN, VA, IN, MD, MI, NC and FL

Health officials have confirmed three cases in Minnesota of a rare fungal meningitis linked to a steroid commonly used to treat back pain.

In all three cases, the women all in their 40s had received injectable steroids linked to a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts.

The company, New England Compounding Pharmacy, is currently being investigated in connection with the meningitis outbreak that has killed seven people and sickened dozens more. Yesterday, the company recalled all of its products. The company has been cooperating with investigators.

The steroid, methylprednisolone acetate, was shipped to facilities in 23 states including Minnesota from July to September, reported the CDC on its website.

According to the Mayo Clinic website, Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord, usually due to the spread of an infection. Symptoms of this condition include headache, fever, vomiting, sleepiness and a stiff neck.

Minnesota state officials believe that approximately 950 Minnesota patients were treated by the steroid products linked to the outbreak. The health care treatment providers known to have used the injectable steroid drugs are Medical Advanced Pain Specialists (MAPS) in Edina, Fridley, Maple Grove, Shakopee and the Minnesota Surgery Center in Edina and Maple Grove.

For more about the Meningitis outbreak visit:
Minnesota Department of Health News Advisory
CNN Health
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